System Safety Engineer (SME) - TS required

LeoForce; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental & Vision

401(k) plan

Job summary

LeoForce is seeking a Senior System Safety Subject Matter Expert to provide technical leadership in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating system risks across the project lifecycle. You will work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure safety requirements are met for complex aerospace missions.

The role demands 10+ years in system safety engineering, a Bachelor’s in Engineering, and an active TS clearance.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship is required due to program requirements.
• Active Top Secret Security Clearance is required.
• 10+ years of system safety engineering experience on aerospace/defense/government programs.
• Experience developing comprehensive system safety documentation.
• Experience participating in safety working groups or reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead system safety analyses for complex aerospace systems.
• Develop and maintain safety documentation: PHL, PHA, FHA, SHA, SAR.
• Review hardware/software/test procedures for safety compliance.
• Coordinate with customers, engineering teams, and program leadership.
• Maintain Hazard Tracking Systems and support software safety initiatives.
• Participate in design reviews and safety review boards.

Skills

System safety engineering

Hazard analyses

Technical writing

MS Office

Safety case communication

Customer coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

DOORS

CRADLE

Job description

Date Posted: 09-02-2026

Job Description

Experience: Senior Level

Salary: $160,000 - $200,000 per year

Job Details

What You'll Do

As the System Safety Subject Matter Expert, you'll provide technical leadership in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating system risks throughout the project lifecycle. You'll collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure hardware and software systems meet rigorous safety requirements for complex aerospace missions.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead system safety analyses for complex aerospace systems.
• Develop and maintain safety documentation including:
• Preliminary Hazard Lists (PHL)
• Preliminary Hazard Analyses (PHA)
• Functional Hazard Analyses (FHA)
• System Hazard Analyses (SHA)
• Safety Assessment Reports (SAR)
• Participate in design reviews, technical interchange meetings, safety review boards, and test readiness reviews.
• Review hardware, software, and test procedures to ensure compliance with system safety requirements.
• Support customer, contractual, and range safety documentation.
• Coordinate with range safety organizations during testing activities.
• Maintain and update Hazard Tracking Systems (HTS) to document hazards and mitigation strategies.
• Support software safety initiatives as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering teams, program management, and customer stakeholders to drive mission success.

Qualities and Experience:

• U.S. Citizenship (required due to program requirements)
• Active Top Secret Security Clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline
• 10+ years of system safety engineering experience supporting complex aerospace, defense, or government programs
• Experience performing system hazard analyses and developing comprehensive system safety documentation
• Experience participating in System Safety Working Groups (SSWG), WSESRB, SSSTRP, or similar safety review organizations
• Experience developing and communicating safety cases, including redesign recommendations and risk acceptance strategies
• Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS and/or CRADLE
• Ability to effectively communicate with customers, engineering teams, and program leadership
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams

Preferred Experience:

• Software safety analysis
• Spaceflight, launch vehicle, spacecraft, or mission assurance programs
• Experience supporting NASA, DoD, or other government aerospace customers

A bit about us:

We’re partnering with an innovative aerospace and defense organization supporting one of the nation's most prestigious space exploration programs. This is a unique opportunity to join a long-term, high-impact program where your expertise will directly contribute to the safety and success of complex spaceflight and mission-critical systems.

If you're passionate about systems safety, risk analysis, and working alongside some of the industry's top engineering talent, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on groundbreaking aerospace initiatives.

Why join us?

• Be part of a highly visible, long-term program supporting cutting-edge space exploration and advanced aerospace technologies.
• Work alongside world-class engineers and technical leaders on mission-critical projects.
• Competitive salary of $160,000–$175,000, depending on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, and professional development opportunities.
• Stable, long-term career opportunity with meaningful technical challenges and room for continued growth.
• Collaborative environment that values technical excellence, innovation, and mission success.